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For Immediate Release

Written by: Susan Alderman, 260-481-6165

Media contact: Lesa Rae Vartanian, 260-481-5786

IPFW Names 2007-08 Outstanding Academic Advisor

(Fort Wayne, April 8, 2008) -- One of the most important people in a college student's life is his or her academic advisor. This is the person who, with input from the student, helps them find the right course of study for their career choice. This is the person who helps plan how they will go to college; whether full or part-time; in four years or five; a bachelor of arts or sciences. Indiana University—Purdue University Fort Wayne (IPFW) announced today (April 8, 2008) that Lesa Rae Vartanian is Academic Advisor of the 2007-08 school year.

Vartanian began her career at IPFW in August 1997 when she joined the faculty in the department of psychology. She began advising students about ten years ago and according to Elaine Blakemore, professor and chair of the department, "...she rapidly became proficient at it, and was soon a better advisor than some of the faculty who had been doing it for years." For the past six years, Vartanian has been the department's lead advisor, and as such has taken on the responsibilities of advising the students who are at risk of probation or academic dismissal. In her nomination letter for Vartanian Blakemore added, "Lesa has many characteristics that make her an exceptional advisor. She is diligent in learning and keeping up to date with the rules that apply to the degree. She is also very careful in overseeing the student records, correcting errors and asking questions when some aspect of the record seems awry. She is also enthusiastic, interested, and caring toward each of the advisees she sees."

Vartanian's nomination included a number of endorsements from students she has advised, which range from "Dr. Vartanian is simply the best advisor that there is" to "...goes above and beyond the call...She has been there in times of good and bad and has come up with not only school-related but life-related solutions for tough problems." Another student wrote, "She is very supportive, nonjudgmental, and simply a joy to talk to. I consider her to be a role model and one of the strongest professors I've had."

Vartanian was presented with a plaque and a $500 cash award, to be used for professional development.

For more information on the award itself, contact Irwin Mallin at 260-481-6553. For more information on Vartanian, contact her at 260-481-5786, or vartanil@ipfw.edu.

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